Weekly TOP Startup / VC news of September 18, 2025

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Replit, the AI software creation platform, just closed a $250 million funding round. Its valuation now stands at a robust $3 billion, nearly tripling. The firm announced explosive revenue growth, leaping from $2.8 million to $150 million annually. This surge is powered by over 40 million global users. Concurrently, Replit unveiled Agent 3, a groundbreaking autonomous AI agent. Agent 3 tests, fixes code, and builds custom workflows. Strategic investors include Prysm Capital, Google's AI Futures Fund, and Amex Ventures. Funds will fuel global expansion, scale operations, and accelerate product development. Replit continues to democratize software engineering. The AI code-gen market thrives.

EvoluteIQ, a leader in Agentic AI, secured $53 million in minority growth capital. Baird Capital led the significant funding round. This investment will accelerate global expansion. It will strengthen EvoluteIQ's position in enterprise-grade AI automation. The EIQ platform leverages Agentic Mesh Architecture. It unifies process orchestration, data integration, and GenAI-driven decisioning. This powerful combination replaces fragmented legacy toolchains. EvoluteIQ targets complex, regulated organizations. It delivers end-to-end autonomous business process management. The funding fuels R&D innovation, strategic acquisitions, and market growth across key regions. Baird Capital executives join the board, underscoring confidence in EvoluteIQ’s transformative vision.

London-based tech innovator Nothing secures $200 million in Series C funding. This investment propels its valuation to $1.3 billion. The company targets an aggressive AI-native platform strategy. It plans to integrate artificial intelligence across current and future devices. Smartphones, audio products, and smartwatches are just the beginning. Nothing envisions expansion into smart glasses, robotics, and EVs. Carl Pei leads this bold vision. The firm aims to challenge market giants. It seeks to redefine consumer electronics with personalized AI. This substantial capital fuels its ambitious trajectory. Nothing prepares for its next phase of growth.

FinBox, a pioneering digital credit infrastructure company based in Bengaluru, secured $40 million in a high-profile Series B funding. WestBridge Capital led the round. Key existing investors A91 Partners and Aditya Birla Ventures also contributed. This substantial capital infusion will propel FinBox's technological advancements, focusing on cutting-edge AI-driven solutions and an expanded fraud intelligence suite. It also targets aggressive international market expansion. The company’s core offerings—digital lending platforms, embedded finance APIs, and robust data intelligence products—are vital for over 130 global clients. FinBox processes 50 million credit decisions monthly, enabling vast loan applications. This funding underscores FinBox's critical role in modernizing global credit systems and solidifying India's fintech leadership.

SEON, a leader in AI-driven fraud prevention and AML compliance, secured an $80 million Series C funding round. Sixth Street Growth led the investment, bringing SEON's total capital to $187 million. This critical infusion powers SEON's global expansion, deepens its AI capabilities, and accelerates platform development. The company’s unified solution tackles escalating digital fraud and complex regulatory demands across industries like fintech and e-commerce. SEON enables businesses to block illicit activity, verify identities, and streamline compliance without hindering legitimate growth, crucial in today's high-risk digital landscape.

Ecosoul Home, a pioneer in sustainable homeware, secured $20 million in its Series B funding round. Accel and Bajaj Financial Securities led the significant investment. This capital injection will power aggressive global expansion across Europe and the Middle East. Ecosoul will also bolster its manufacturing capabilities. The brand aims to satisfy rapidly increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly home essentials. It leverages existing partnerships with major retailers worldwide. Ecosoul offers high-quality, competitively priced plastic alternatives, solidifying its market leadership in the eco-conscious sector.

Romanian AI innovator DRUID AI has secured a $31 million Series C funding round. The capital fuels aggressive global expansion, particularly targeting the US market. Joseph Kim, a seasoned technology executive and former CEO of Sumo Logic, takes the helm as DRUID AI’s new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move positions the company for accelerated growth in the rapidly evolving enterprise agentic AI landscape.

Akobo Minerals significantly bolstered its financial standing. A landmark $3 million investment arrived from Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH). This marked EIH's first international mining stake. The capital directly funds a crucial vertical shaft project. Concurrently, Akobo completed a comprehensive financial restructuring. Terms with Monetary Metals were amended. Loan maturity was extended. Interest terms became more favorable. August gold production exceeded targets. New processing equipment, shaking tables, improved recovery. Vertical shaft headgear production commenced. These strategic moves position Akobo Minerals for substantial gold output growth. The company aims for 50-80 kg monthly production. It solidifies its role in Ethiopia's burgeoning mining sector. Akobo strengthens its foundation for future success.

Goodpath, a virtual provider of whole-person care for chronic conditions, recently secured $18 million in Series A funding. MassMutual Ventures led the round. Healthy Ventures and existing investors also participated. This significant capital infusion accelerates Goodpath's expansion. The Boston-based company deploys an AI-driven, clinically validated care model. It addresses conditions like musculoskeletal pain, diabetes, mental health, and more. The U.S. healthcare system suffers from fragmented chronic care. Goodpath offers an integrated solution. Its platform leverages millions of real-world data points. This fuels precise, personalized care pathways. The company demonstrates high engagement and cost savings for employers. The funding enables further investment in AI personalization, outcome prediction models, and expanded care capabilities. This move solidifies Goodpath's position as a leader in digital health innovation, transforming chronic disease management through smarter, connected care.

Optain Health secures $26 million in Series A funding. Insight Partners leads the round. Seven major U.S. health systems invest. This capital fuels global expansion of Optain's AI-powered robotic retinal imaging platform. It brings advanced oculomics into primary care. The technology detects critical eye diseases and assesses systemic health risks. It promises earlier diagnosis, wider access to care, and improved patient outcomes. A new era for preventive health is here.

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